Mission Statement

In the name of Jesus, welcome everyone,grow in faith, support one another, serve others. June 2017

M e s s i a h L u t h e r a n C h u r c hA CONGREGATION OF THE

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Faith and Democracy

Author’s note: On Friday May 12th I had the honor of giving thedevotion at the Chatham County Commissioner’s meeting. This isa summation of my words to the commissioners.

Today I am going to speak about religion and its role in our society. I am not speakingabout a specific religion such as Christianity or Buddhism, but religion in general. I amgrateful for this opportunity to address this group and want to consider the benefits ofhaving people of faith in your constituency.

In the book American Grace, Robert Putnam and David Campbelldemonstrate that religious affiliation is closely correlated to beingconstructive members of society. Using extensive surveys, theyprovide abundant evidence that religious people far exceed theirnon-religious counterparts both in terms of time and money thatthey dedicate in service to others. One might be tempted toconclude that the sole reason for this level of involvement isbecause they serve within their own church or synagogue. ButPutnam and Campbell have done their homework. Though it is truethat religious people dedicate a lot of time and money to their owntradition, they are also active participants and contributors tonon-religious causes and organizations. In short, religious peopleare more involved in secular organizations (that is, non-religious)than their secular counterparts, by far.

Now this is a general trend. There are always exceptions because we all know good peoplewho don’t claim a faith tradition. But overall, religious people are more generous in sharingtheir time and money than non-religious people and it isn’t even close. Religious peopledonate 80% more to non-religious non-profit organizations than non-religious people do.Furthermore, religious people are more involved in government and are reported as beingbetter neighbors (even when surveyed by non-religious neighbors!) than non-religious people.

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SKIDAWAY ISLAND1 WEST RIDGE ROAD, SAVANNAH, GA 31411

The Rev. Jason W. Talsness Cell: (770) 570-7407 E-mail: skidawaypastorj@gmail.comOffice Telephone: (912) 598-1188 Office FAX: (912) 598-1339E-MAIL: messiahsk@gmail.com WEB: www.messiahsi.org

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 2

Based on this research we can make the following conclusion: Religion is good fordemocracy.

But there’s more. As our society becomes undeniably less religiously observant, there arevoices that decry the lack of tolerance among the religions of the world. What Putnam andCampbell find challenges this observation. Indeed, Chatham County’s history has been areligious stew of converging faiths since the beginning. Religions that were divided inEurope co-exist here in Savannah. Take my tradition, Lutheranism, for example. InSalzburg, Germany in the 1730s, the prince announced all subjects were to convert to hisfaith, Roman Catholicism, or leave. A group of Lutherans were evicted and went to Englandseeking refuge. The King of England offered to give them land in Georgia, protection ofGeneral Oglethorpe, in what would become Effingham County. Years later Irish RomanCatholics settled in the area. We have co-existed in relative harmony ever since. In fact,as our church observes the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the Roman CatholicBishop of the Savannah Diocese will be hosting a joint Roman Catholic/Lutheran worshipservice at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on October 23. Our synodical Bishop, theRev. Julian Gordy has been invited to co-preside. Two traditions that were once at odds inEurope are congenial and supportive of one another in America.

This dynamic is supported by Putnam and Campbell’s American Grace. They researchedattitudes among religious people in America and found a great deal of religious toleranceamong Americans. The great American experiment of finding unity under the banner offreedom rather than that of royalty or a given faith has proven to be successful andeffective. Because almost all Americans have a relative or friend who belongs to a differentfaith, they are more likely to be tolerant and even supportive of other religions.

Because I believe our Creator does not want fighting or strife between religious groups,and because religious Americans are more tolerant of other religions, I can conclude thatnot only is religion good for democracy, but also that democracy is good for religion!

Blessings on you as you deliberate on the issues before you as you serve the common good.

Pastor Jason Talsness

6/14 Susan & Ron Whitaker’s 48th

6/16 Jan & Jim Hazel’s 55th

6/16 Lynn & Ken McLauchlan’s 33rd

6/18 Maggie & Allan Downen’s 6th

6/22 Mary & Ron Maner’s 54th

6/23 June & Carl Luecke’s 55th

6/24 Mary & Dan Meyer’s 39th

6/28 Marcie & Jim Perry’s 43rd

6/01 Judy Nord6/01 Chuck Ortmann6/07 Amir Polite6/07 Zion Polite6/08 Mary Buck6/08 June Luecke6/08 Helena Talsness

6/09 Rob Fritz6/18 Lana Gilster6/20 Brittany Boyden6/20 Joshua Sylvester6/21 Virginia Hylander6/23 Layne Rabold6/30 Marcia Stinson

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 3

† Prayers of support for Bette Lufburrow, her family, and the friends ofBette’s husband Albert Lufburrow, 92, who died on May 31, 2017.† Prayers of support for Betty Anderson, her family, and the friends ofBetty’s husband Swede Anderson, who died on May 19, 2017.† Prayers of support for Steve and Pam Allen, their family, and the friendsof Steve’s sister Louise Allen Anderson, 72, who died unexpectedly onMay 18, 2017.† Prayers of support for Cathie Barefoot, her family, and the friends ofCathie’s husband Kirk Barefoot, who died on March 22, 2017.† Prayers of healing for our members, friends, and relatives undergoingspecial care and treatment: Carr Baldwin, Alinda Borsani (Babette’s sister),Cole and Elliot (twin sons born prematurely in September to MeaghanAndrews (Tim Andrews’ daughter) and her husband Rob Springer), SandyClarke, Anne Dobra (Pattye & Clarke Field’s sister-in-law), Levi Ingvalson(Lana & Eric Gilster’s four year old grandnephew), Christine Kumagai, RayKunsman, Bridget (Shirley & Phil Nack’s granddaughter), Cindy Lockwood(Anne Jeanblanc’s sister-in-law), Judy Nord, Tom Richardson, ClaireSchaet (Don Schaet’s daughter), Linda Shadel (Lynn McLauchlan’s sister-in-law), Bob Sears, Jan Stinson (Greg Stinson’s cousin), and MargueriteWeisemann.

June Announcements

Copies of the June issue of THE LUTHERAN, the official news magazine of the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America, as well as DAILY DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS for the 3rd quarterof 2017, are available on the table in the entrance foyer of the sanctuary. Also, a limitednumber of LARGE PRINT devotionals are available.

CERTAIN SCHEDULED MEETINGS & EVENTS IN JUNE< Birthday Sunday is June 11. If your birthday is this month, be sure to come to church

on the 11th so that we can celebrate your birth!< Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study will resume on Monday, June 12.< Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study will meet each Wednesday in June at 8:00 a.m. in the

card room at the Marshwood Club in The Landings.< Worship & Music Ministry will address meetings June through August by an e-mail

communication that will go out every second Sunday.< Craft 'n Gab will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10.< Evangelism Ministry will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13.< Church Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20.< Evangelism’s Caring Card Ministry will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24.< Staff Support/Mutual Ministry will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

Ministry Members: Save these Dates for Meetings next Month (July)

Tuesday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m. Evangelism MinistryTuesday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. Staff Support/Mutual MinistrySaturday, July 29 at 9:00 a.m. Caring Card Ministry

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 4

This is Christ’s church. There is a place for you here.

We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person — questions,complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the lifeof the world.

SOURCE: www.ELCA.org

In MemoriamAlan D. Anderson

Our dear brother in Christ, Alan D. “Swede” Anderson, CLU waspromoted to glory on May 19, 2017, surrounded by his family in hishome after a nine month struggle with cancer. Swede was born inOttawa, Kansas to Franz Edgar and Helen Sands Anderson. Hegraduated from Kansas University where he met his future wifeBetty. Together, they raised three daughters, Juli, Karin and Holly.He had a rewarding career with Aetna Insurance Company andretired after 35 years as the General Manager of the EmployeeBenefits Division.

Swede had a lifetime passion for sports and particularly enjoyed thegames of golf and tennis for many years. He and Betty traveled theworld together, often with family members. He especially enjoyedtime with his family. After retiring, he was an arbitrator for theBetter Business Bureau, served as a CASA volunteer, and tutored inthe St. Louis and Savannah public schools.

Swede was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob, Delbert and Glen Anderson,his sister Jean Holcomb, and his daughter Karin. He is survived by his wife of 62 years,Betty, daughters Juli Anderson-Bjerke (Kevin Bjerke) and Holly L. Anderson, and fivegrandchildren Alan, Alex, and Hadley Bjerke and Jesse and Shiloh Anderson and manynieces and nephews.

Swede’s sense of humor, kindness and generosity will be sorely missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 17, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Messiah LutheranChurch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the Karin J. Anderson EndowedMemorial Fund at the Washburn Law School Foundation, 1700 SW College Ave.,Topeka,Kansas 66621-1140, Planned Parenthood, or Messiah Lutheran Church.

May God grant Betty and the family and friends blessed memories of Swede and resurrection peace through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 5

In the best of times, our days are numbered anyway. So it would bea crime against nature for any generation to take the world crisis sosolemnly that it put off enjoying those things for which we weredesigned in the first place: the opportunity to do good work, to enjoyfriends, to fall in love, to hit a ball, and to bounce a baby.

~ Alistair Cooke(1908-2004)

In MemoriamAlbert Bullman Lufburrow

Albert Bullman Lufburrow, 92, husband of Messiah Lutheranmember Bette Sulter Lufburrow, passed away on May 31, 2017 athome under the care of Hospice. He was born on June 14, 1924,the son of Florence Duer and Thomas W. Lufburrow. He was amember of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served in theboys’ choir, President of the Men’s Club and served as both Jr.and Sr. Warden. Albert attended local schools and the Universityof Georgia, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Albert served in WW II and the Korean War, then joined hisfather’s firm Lufburrow Realty Co. He was a Realtor, Builder andLand Developer. He developed Oakdale, Habersham Woods,Kingswood and South Harbor on Skidaway Island. He served as

President of the Savannah Board of Realtors and Chairman of the Savannah-ChathamMetropolitan Planning Commission. He was a member the Oglethorpe Club, and aformer member of L’Alliance Francaise and the Savannah Yacht Club. He was PastPresident of The Sons of The Revolution, the Jaycees and the Civitan Club.

Albert is survived by Bette, his wife of 69 years, and his three children Deborah L.Howell (James), Stephen R. Lufburrow (Sally), and Louisa L. Stewart; grandchildrenKeith Howell (Elizabeth) of Richmond, Virginia, Scott Howell, Matthew Lufburrow, MaryLufburrow, and Anna Stewart all of Savannah; and two great grandchildren, Alice andGlenn Howell of Richmond, VA.

A graveside service was held in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery onSaturday, June 3, 2017. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceSavannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190 Savannah, GA 31416-0190 or to your favorite charity.

May God grant Bette and the family and friends blessed memories of Albert and resurrection peace through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 6

The Arts a t M essiah

There are three remaining concerts in this year’s summer series. All concerts begin at7:30 p.m. Although the concerts are Messiah’s gift to the community, donations will begladly accepted to help defray costs. Please make plans to attend – and invite your friendsand neighbors!

JENNIFER ZETLAN, Soprano • Friday, June 23

See below for details.

GREG ZELEK, Organ • Friday, July 14

Greg Zelek is increasingly recognized as one of the most exciting young organists in theAmerican organ scene. He was a prizewinner in the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival;chosen by The Diapason magazine as one of the top “20 Under 30" organists in 2016; andcurrently is pursuing an Artist Diploma as a student of Paul Jacobs at the Juilliard School.

REED TETZLOFF, Piano • Friday, August 11

~ Joseph Pramberger Memorial Concert ~Reed Tetzloff has won prizes at several international competitions, including third prize andaudience favorite award at the 2014 Cincinnati World Piano Competition; bronze medal andspecial prize for best recital in the semi-final round at the 2013 Tbilisi International PianoCompetition; and first prize in the concerto competition in the 2011 Beijing InternationalFestival and Academy (China). In 2012 he made his Lincoln Center debut with the MannesOrchestra at Alice Tully Hall and his New York solo recital debut at Merkin Hall.

Internationally Recognized Soprano in Concert

Soprano Jennifer Zetlan appears in concert at 7:30 p.m.,Friday, June 23 at Messiah Lutheran Church. Ms. Zetlan willbe joined by her husband, pianist David Shimoni, BA, MA,DMA, and Jeana Melilli, Principal Flute of the SavannahPhilharmonic.

Internationally recognized for her artistry and captivatingstage presence, Ms. Zetlan has been seen and heard on operaand concert stages including the Metropolitan Opera, NewYork City Opera, Seattle Opera, Ash Lawn Opera, New YorkPhilharmonic, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Carnegie Hall,among others, as well as recital venues and on Broadway.She has performed in the world premieres of operas bycomposers Matthew Aucoin, Daron Hagen, Nico Muhly, andRicky Ian Gordon.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 7

To church on Sundays? To Men’s or Women’s Bible Study? Toother events at church? Maybe you aren’t driving any more – ornot at night – or just don’t feel up to driving. The Parish LifeMinistry has the answer for you! It has a TransportationCommittee (a subcommittee of the Sonshine Committee) on callto help, even on a limited basis to doctor appointments and forerrands. Members of the committee are Pam Allen, Milda Blaney,Mary & Fred Buck, Andrea Felkins, Lynetta & Verne Hartson,Virginia & Ken Hylander, Laura Michael, Diane Munroe, Shirley &Phil Nack, Tammy & Gerry Quirk, David Ridberg, Barb Tinker, andLinda Turk. To book a ride, contact Pam Allen (e-mailallenpr@comcast.net); Home: 598-9746; cell: 663-7235).

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRESENTING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AT MESSIAH!

Your generous tax-deductible contribution supports the continuation of this wonderfulseries of summer concerts. Over the years, we have developed a reputation for presentingconcerts of varied types, featuring a range of outstanding talent – from rising stars towinners of world class competitions. This is made possible by a community of supporterswho have stood behind the series’ 16 years of stable growth and who continue to standbehind its mission. We invite you to support The Arts at Messiah. Please make your checkpayable to “Messiah Lutheran Church” and mark the memo line “The Arts at Messiah.”

Reformation 500: 50 things you may not know about Luther

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Living Lutheran isexploring 500 of its unique aspects. It has put together a list of 50 Reformation things youmay not know about Martin Luther. This list is not meant as an all-encompassingcompendium of everything essential to the Reformation and its theology, but rather as aglimpse of the variety of ways the movement that Martin Luther sparked in 1517 wouldinfluence the history of the world.

Here are two things from the list that you may not know. To find out the other 48, copyand paste the following link in your web browser:https://www.livinglutheran.org/2017/06/reformation-500-50-things-may-not-know-luther/

#2. Luther was not exactly from peasant stock. His father—whose father was afarmer—ended up a well-to-do mine owner, and his mother’s family, the Lindemanns,included a mayor of Eisenach, Thuringia, in Germany.

#13. Luther was not a monk but a friar. Friars (Dominicans, Franciscans andAugustinians) lived in community in cities and often had responsibilities as universityprofessors of theology or preachers. Monks often lived in isolated areas and focused theirlives on work and prayer.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 8

We’re Going to the Movies!

A viewing of Luther, the movie (2003) will be offered in two

parts, on Tuesday, June 20 and Tuesday, June 27, both

starting at 3:00 p.m. The movie will be divided into segments

to allow time for questions and discussion. If you are

interested in attending, please sign up on the kiosk. This

movie is part of the ongoing emphasis on the Reformation as

we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in

October.

We’re Reading a Book!

The book club invites you to join in reading Martin Luther: A Life

(2004), a biographical narrative on the life of Martin Luther written

by Martin E. Marty. It is an interesting, informative and easy read

by Marty, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and

winner of the National Book Award for his book Righteous Empire.

Please sign up on the kiosk in the narthex if you are interested.

We’re Planning Now for the LSG GOLF CLASSIC!

The 14th annual Lutheran Services of Georgia Golf Classic will be held October 24,

2017 at the Crosswinds Golf Club near the Savannah airport. This year we will have

a 9:00 a.m. shotgun followed by lunch. Last year Messiah had 30 golfers and

sponsored 14 military players! Great job Messiah! Your golf committee – Frank

Liebgott, Pattye & Clarke Field, and Shirley & Phil Nack – will be contacting you in

August.

Thank you for your continued support for LSG Savannah.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 9

News from the Christian Education MinistryBarbara Tinker, Chairman

Sunday Morning Bible Study has been so wellreceived that it will continue during the summermonths! And YOU are invited to join us! On June 4we will begin a five week series entitled “Time ofYour Life, Making the Most of It.” We will beviewing a 15–20 minute DVD segment followed bythought-provoking discussion. Please enjoy 20minutes of fellowship and then join us Sundays at10:20 a.m. in the conference room. It’s amazinghow your faith grows when you share it!

The summer session of the Women’s Bible Study begins onMonday, June 12, with the six-week Beth Moore studyentitled “Entrusted,” a study of 2 Timothy. Have you everbeen “entrusted” to accomplish a task that proved to beoverwhelming? Have you not known whether you were upto the challenge? Is so, this bible study is for you. Join uson Monday mornings at 9:30 in the conference roombeginning on June 12. For more information, please talk toArgerie Martin (598-8211; martinw720@aol.com).

The Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study will meet each Wednesday in Juneat 8:00 a.m. in the card room at the Marshwood Club in The Landings.

NOTE: Please let Pastor Jason know if you plan to attend so thataccurate reservations may be made. You don’t need to be a member ofThe Landings Club to attend and have breakfast. Also, off-island menmay contact Pastor Jason for a gate pass.

Contributed byBarb Tinker

Contributed by Argerie Martin

& Bible Study

Youth Sunday School (6thgrade – high school) willfollow the regular schoolschedule and not meet duringthe summer. They will resumein the fall.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 10

Taking part in this wonderful morning ~ Backrow: Lynn Townsend, Argerie Martin, SandySchmoll, Barb Tinker, & Amanda Ridberg;Front row: Jim Dawson & Don Schaet.

News from the Outreach MinistrySandy Schmoll, Chairman

CGCA Teacher Appreciation Event

On May 24, the Outreach Ministry hosted a Teacher Appreciation Continental Breakfast forthe teachers and staff of the Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy (CGCA). CGCA isa special education school founded in 1971, and focuses on educating students withemotional and behavioral disorders. Our own Steve Derr has served as principal there formany years.

Seven members of Messiah helped to procure, transport, and serve brunch toapproximately 75 staff at CGCA during their post-school year planning days. Among theitems served were quiche, assorted breakfast pastries, breakfast breads, fresh fruit, coffee,and orange juice. The staff was extremely gracious and appreciative, and we enjoyedbeing able to thank them for a job well done!

Argerie Martin, Barb Tinker,& Jim Dawson

Steve Derr & Amanda Ridberg

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 11

This ongoing group of crafty gabbers will get together onSaturday, June 10, from 9:30 – 1:00. They do some crafting,but mostly they enjoy each other’s company. Everyone iswelcome! Bring a “project” and come join in the “gabbing.” Formore information, talk to Argerie Martin, Connie Squibb, or JoyOlson.

Lunchtime Shelter

The Outreach Ministry is working with Pastor Jason toprovide a Latino ministry in our island community. This willtake the form of using our Fellowship Hall to provide anindoor sheltered place for workers on the island atlunchtime. We would like to offer this option to workersone day per week for four weeks. A team of Messiahmembers would be present each week to facilitate thisoutreach. Stay tuned for details and how you can becomeinvolved!

News from the Parish Life Ministry

Jill Poole, Chairman

If you were born in June we want to celebrate you. Please joinus in the Fellowship Hall after services on June 11 for BirthdaySunday. Enjoy a slice of Birthday Cake and a Happy BirthdaySerenade from your fellow church members.

Love to bake? Sweet Treats are always welcome at the SundayMorning Coffee Hour and Fellowship Time. Hate to bake? Storebought treats are welcome too. The sign up sheet is posted onthe kiosk in the narthex for Sunday Morning Coffee Hour.

The morning is much better when we have coffee together!

Craft 'n

Gab

“I WILL GIVE YOU

rest.”MATTHEW 11:28

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 12

From our Photo Album . . .

In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of theReformation, Savannah area Lutherans sponsored aprogram at Messiah Lutheran on Sunday afternoon,May 7. Dr. Byron Boyd, a thoroughly engaging speaker,provided insights into the political world of MartinLuther’s time, examining the factors outside the churchthat led to the eruption of the Reformation.

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017 the Bowling Green State University Collegiate Chorale performeda sophisticated concert of sacred and secular music. Before the concert, the choraleenjoyed dinner in the Fellowship Hall. Our members also housed the chorale overnight.

On Friday evening, May 12, MatthewGriswold opened the first concert inThe Arts at Messiah 2017 concertseries. Mr. Griswold won first prize atthe Arthur Fraser International PianoCompetition and first prize in thecoveted Arthur Dann PianoCompetition. A graduate of OberlinConservatory, he currently serves onthe piano faculty at the BronxConservatory of Music and iscompleting his Masters of Music at theMannes College of Music.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 13

Sunday, May 14

On Sunday, May 14, 2017, Megan Boyden and Will Gladden were confirmed. To honorMegan and Will, and also to honor and express sincere appreciation to their Lenten mentorsPeggy Pearson and John Duren, who were an invaluable part of this process, their parentshosted a portion of Fellowship after the service.

Birthday Sundaya l so wa s onMay 14. Picturedat right with PastorJason are BirthdayHonorees (left toright) StephanieWilliams, CherylLiebgott, MildaB l aney , GerryQuirk, Larry Holst,Faye Holst, AnneFarr, Yona Haug,Ethel Baldwin,Diana Wilson, andBrittany Boyden.

MLC Newsletter ~ June 2017 ~ Page 14

Highlights from Church Council’s Meeting on May 16, 2017

Please note the following highlights have been taken from the draftminutes that will be presented for approval at Council’s June 2017 meeting.

• Pastor’s Report. Pastor Jason reported the following:< Landlovers. Landlover’s made a donation to Messiah for use of our property for their

Flea Market and also offered to cover the cost of sprinkler repairs.< Youth Group. Messiah will host a youth group from Hillsboro, ND on June 6. There

will be about 65 individuals who will use the church as their overnight lodging ontheir way to a mission trip in Florida. A volunteer will be at church to greet themand bid them adieu early Wednesday, June 7.

< National Day of Prayer. This year’s service on May 4 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Churchwas successful. We are grateful for Cheryl Liebgott’s willingness to serve asMessiah’s representative. She will need an additional representative to serve withher next year. They will meet four times during the year before and after the firstThursday in May.

< Vacation. Pastor Talsness and his family will be on vacation in Bald Head, NC fromJune 10-14 and a one week trip in July is being planned.

< Visitation. One hospital visit and seven home visits since last month.• Christian Education Ministry Report. Barb Tinker reported the following:

< Fall will see the start of a Martin Luther study, “Gospel, Law & Reformation.”< On Sunday, May 21, there will be children’s graduation and teacher appreciation

announcements before the worship service with very brief acknowledgments of thosewho help with teaching and nursery.

< Children’s & Youth Sunday School will end on May 20 and resume on August 20 withRally Sunday and Blessing of the Back Packs. She and Alexandra are working togetherto develop a Sunday School program for ages 1 through 5th grade. Steve Derr willcontinue to teach the Middle School children next year on Lutheran Traditions.

< Men’s Group will meet through the summer studying Genesis chapters 1 through 11.• Worship and Music Ministry Report. Tom Olson reported that the members of this

ministry will be reviewing and hopefully developing Strategic Planning ideas over thesummer. Next year, in preparation for several of the special Christian seasons (Advent,Christmas and Lent through Easter), the Ministry will seek to develop ways to presentand/or promote the services and activities. Mary Maner and Diane Boyd have plannedseveral Sundays with special music for the summer.

• Finance Ministry Report. Parker Pearson, Treasurer, reported the following:< An update on the Capital Campaign will be given at the July Quarterly meeting.< Council approved the issuance of a credit card with a limit of $2,000 for Messiah in

Parker’s name that can be used for incidental purchases.< Parker will talk with our bookkeeper about a system for electronic donations and will

advise congregation about it.• New Business, Lutheranch: Libby Bedenbaugh, Campaign Chair for the Lutheranch

project, gave a history of Lutherock, Lutheridge, Luther Springs and the newest effort,Lutheranch. She would like to make a presentation to the congregation regarding thisfacility and its programs and offer members the opportunity to financially support theLutheranch completion. A brochure “Complete the Dream” was provided for all presentto review. President Olson suggested that this presentation be done in the fall becauseseveral members leave for the summer months.

Messiah Lutheran Church of Skidaway Island1 West Ridge RoadSavannah, GA 31411

MESSI A H LU T H E R A N CH UR C H - A ST EP H E N MI N I S T R Y CO N G R EG A TI O N

CHURCH COUNCIL

Tim Andrews, Property Ministry Chair, timandrews1114@comcast.netSteve Allen, Finance Ministry Chair, Steven.H.Allen@gmail.comLynnetta Hartson, Staff Support/Mutual Ministry Chair, lhartson@comcast.netLinda Jacla, Evangelism Ministry Chair, ljacla@gmail.comGeorge Lawrence, Stewardship Ministry Chair, mppggl13@gmail.comTom Olson, Worship & Music Ministry Chair, Tolson@kernengineering.comJill Poole, Parish Life Ministry Chair, jilldpoole@aol.comSandy Schmoll, Outreach Ministry Chair, savsandy@comcast.netBarbara Tinker, Christian Education Ministry Chair, tinker.barbara@gmail.comJason Talsness, Pastor, skidawaypastorj@gmail.com; Cell phone: (770) 570-7407

CHURCH OFFICERS (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2017)Tom Olson, PresidentTim Andrews, Vice PresidentLynnetta Hartson, Recording SecretaryParker Pearson, Treasurer

CHURCH STAFF

Jason Talsness, PastorMary Maner, Choral DirectorDiane Boyd, Church OrganistCynthia Sharpley, Church Secretary (Hrs: Mon–Fri, 2-5 p.m.)Barbara Roush, Church Bookkeeper (Hrs: Tues mornings)

Help Keep Our Records CurrentHave you changed your e-mail address? Moved? Have a new mailing address? New homeor cell telephone number? New work telephone number? Please share updates with thechurch office by calling 598-1188 or e-mailing MessiahSk@gmail.com.

Newsletter production by Parish Life Ministry